#BikeIsBest launches public petition to support cycling infrastructure
#BikeIsBest launches public petition to support cycling infrastructure
Posted on 23 Jul 2020
The #BikeIsBest campaign was launched with the aim to spread the word that #BikeIsBest for everyone, with the
ACT and 50 other industry organisations join forces to launch "the most
extensive coordinated promotional campaign for cycling since the 1970s".
#BikeIsBest is now calling on the UK public to sign and share their new petition, make your voice heard and help them to show local authorities there's significant unmet demand for safe cycling infrastructure.
During the Covid-19 crisis, across the UK there has been a rapid roll out of measures to make walking and cycling feel safer, as public transport capacity was reduced and all but essential journeys were curtailed. Space for walking and cycling has been taken directly from motor vehicles, rebalancing our roads to benefit people, not traffic.
This approach is proving hugely popular - a recent YouGov survey by #BikeIsBest showed that 77% of Brits are in support of road space reallocation to enable safer cycling and walking. We want to cycle more - during lockdown, some areas of England have seen cycling increase by 200%.
The Department for Transport has issued funding and guidance for local authorities in England, with similar measures in Scotland and Wales. Despite this, some local authorities are ripping out temporary measures after just a few days because of a few emails and petitions from motoring pressure groups and grumpy residents. The silent majority who would like nicer and healthier places to safely cycle are not being heard.
#BikeIsBest research shows that there are 6.5 people in favour of measures to enable cycling and walking for every 1 person against. But these voices aren't being heard.
Only 6% of the UK public want to return to pre-pandemic times, says another YouGov poll. There is a rare opportunity to change our streets for the better; for health, for air quality, for the economy and for the community. To not just go back to traffic-dominated communities swathed in smog. But this opportunity for change is in jeopardy and urgent action is required. We need to show local political leaders there is widespread support for these measures.
By signing, you're saying: "I support infrastructure that will help everyone cycle and walk more."
Show your local politicians you support projects that will help everyone cycle and walk more. Please sign and share this petition today to make your voice heard.
#BikeIsBest will use the accumulative totals of the petition to present the support to local and national government and other key stakeholders. Your email address will not be shared with third parties or these organisations directly. You can choose to receive campaign email updates but this is optional as an opt in.